The association states: “As an activity professional, you are part of a vitally important profession that helps people live a life that is full of fun and meaningful activities.”
In honor of National Activities Professionals Week, we’re highlighting our Life Enrichment Director Carey Dienhart and the adventure she creates at The Stafford, boutique senior living in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Carey creates adventure at The Stafford
Carey has been enhancing lives at The Stafford since 2008. In her time, she has organized many exciting activities and events for residents and because of her outstanding dedication, earned the 2022 Enrichment of Life Award from the Oregon Health Care Association.
Carey was awarded for her thoughtful celebrations and activities, and for constantly going above and beyond to enhance her residents’ lives.
“Residents think about things from their childhood that they still remember,” Carey shared. “So I want that to continue here – to keep remembering wonderful times.”
Q&A with Carey
We asked Carey a few questions in honor of Activities Professionals Weeks. Get to know a bit more about her job below!
What is the highlight of your job? I love my relationships and connections with the residents. I pull up and it is like a second home.
I look forward to greeting residents, dogs, and my co-workers. It is a reason to be grateful. Being able to have a vocation that suits my giftings and where I partake in creating moments to enrich the residents truly inspires me.
What advice do you have for fellow life enrichment team members? Get a general pulse on your community, plan well in advance, be highly organized, and promote your event. After that, enjoy the activity no matter what!
The National Activities Professionals Week theme is “Adventure Awaits.” How do you create adventure for your residents? A “Mystery Drive” with our amazing driver Clint or I’d pick a theme and have the entire day with the same thread, food, decor, activities, raffles, treats, and movie matching the adventure!
About Carey
Carey is native to Lake Oswego, where she resides with her husband and rescue dog Chiffon, a chihuahua mix. Her children live close, including her daughter Tabitha, son-in-love Luke, and beautiful grandson Silas.
In her free time, Carey enjoys walking, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, painting, reading, gardening, cooking, baking, entertaining, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends.
Thank you to Carey and fellow life enrichment team members out there for enhancing lives of seniors each day! Happy National Activities Professionals Week!